Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim looks to be on thin ice as inconsistent results have sparked concern about whether he is capable of taking United to the next level, with the manager set to be forced into personnel changes this weekend.
After securing a surprising win against world champions Chelsea, it looked like United were going to record their first back-to-back Premier League wins under Amorim as they faced relegation candidates Brentford. However, two early goals from Igor Thiago shattered United’s hopes, and they went on to lose 3-1.
This defeat has reignited speculation that Amorim may be replaced, with names like former England boss Gareth Southgate being linked. United’s next fixture is against newly promoted Sunderland, who have made a strong start to the season…
Amorim forced into changes despite Wilcox and Berrada faith
Reports indicate that there is internal concern at United that Amorim’s position will become untenable if he doesn’t make a change and suffers defeat to the Black Cats.
Indeed, Teamtalk journalist Dean Jones has shared a scoop from inside Old Trafford that Amorim has to change his personnel in light of his refusal to alter his system, and that failure this weekend could be the nail in the coffin.
“There is no way he can go into the Sunderland game and just play the same old tape yet again. I have spoken to connections close to the club, and there seems to be an expectation that this time, something does change. Realistically, it probably will not be the system.
“Because they have worked so tirelessly on his formation, he will probably roll it out again – but one thing he can do this time is change the personnel. This is the area that people seem to feel is most likely to change.
“It’s a huge game for him! And it really could lead to a big decision over his future if it goes badly. So let’s see whether he is brave enough to make a bold call or two. I get the feeling he might finally do it – maybe in goal or midfield…or both.”
The internal pressure that Jones mentions is reportedly not coming from Jason Wilcox or Omar Berarda, who both want Amorim to have until the end of the season to give him a chance to turn things around. Part of the reason they want this may be down to United leading the league in a number of attacking metrics like chances created this season, and they may be sympathetic with the head coach that his players are failing to capitalise.
How Man Utd could line up against Sunderland
Jones highlighted the goal and midfield as two areas where Amorim could make a change, but there are other positions that could be modified as well.
So far this season, Altay Bayindir has been Amorim’s favoured goalkeeper, with the previous first choice, Andre Onana, being exiled on loan to Turkey. However, a number of mistakes have led to calls for deadline day signing Senne Lemmens to be given a chance in goal. The 23-year-old has reportedly impressed in training, and against newly promoted Sunderland, he may be given a chance to start.
In midfield, the lack of game time for Kobbie Mainoo has upset fans, as it looks like he may push for a move away from the club in January. Re-introducing the Carrington graduate to the starting lineup would likely carry some favour with the United faithful and may help them out on the pitch.
Another change Amorim could make is in the right wing-back position. Diogo Dalot was largely at fault for Brentford’s first goal, and if Amad is ready to play following his leave last week, then that is a positive change that Amorim could make.
Jones said Amorim is unlikely to change his system, and since it’s creating chances, that isn’t surprising. With these potential changes, Amorim could both shore up his defence and add players who can score, but these changes would likely be one of the last rolls of the dice for the manager.